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More Talk:
 

Sounds like JP's fill-in role on the V+H bike hasn't hurt his
chances - he's got some good offers.

As for Mr. Gobert:
He, Mr. Vance, and a certain red motorcycle have a bit of
unfinished business to take care of...

And it's never too early to start preparing for the Daytona
race, is it?

Now for the biased part...

I certainly wouldn't approve of a rider running a race in
an impaired condition, but the way the AMA has implemented
its "substance abuse" policy in the present case appears less
related to race safety than to trying for brownie points with
the "zero-tolerance" extremists. Who told the AMA to ask
_their_ opinion anyway?

Most racing organizations
seem to feel that a "no drugs/alcohol at the races,
no riding under the influence" rule is enough,
The AMA's action suggests that they feel that they must
demand a "drug free life style" of their riders between
events as well. This is silly.

The AMA should have higher priorities than making scandal
of what the riders smoke after the raceday ends.
I'm not offended by what Anthony admitted to doing; I am
offended severely that the AMA would disqualify a good
rider over something like that.

And if the AMA believes, with whatever grounds, that certain
sponsors might not support the sport unless it has the
policies and procedures it has activated here, then it
is my most definite opinion that the racing is better off
without those particular sponsors. Whatever funding they
may bring isn't worth the hassle.

(But, as I've said
above, I'm biased as all hell about this sort of thing:
I have a firm personal policy that bowing to the risk
of scandal is a waste of time, or worse, as it is more
likely to confuse friends than to mollify enemies.)

I guess the AMA feels that "100% Certified Drug Free
Motorcycle Racing(tm)" is marketable, but plain old
racing, ridden by human motorcyclists, wouldn't sell
or something?

To Anthony, quoted from Rod Argent:
"If they stare, just let them burn their eyes on your moving -
hold your head up!"

-dave weinshenker
daze39@grin.net
22525 3rd St. #314, Hayward CA 94541  /  510 582 8393

I love watching Gobert race. He is definitely one of the most exciting people in the world on a motorcycle. His private life is not an issue to me. Especially if guys can go drink all night before a race and the AMA doesn't care. I'd rather race against a guy who had smoked weed a week or a month before then someone who has not had enough sleep or could have a hang-over. (been there) Pridmore deserves the ride. If anyone in the world deserves something it's Jason's turn to have a good ride for a good team. But we have to chose. I'd go with Gobert for his shear excitement and personality. Maybe he has learned a lesson from all of this. He needs to go to the GPs again.

                                                                                                       Aloha - Fred H

Listen,
   I defy anyone in mine and Anthony's age group to truthfully say that they
have never ingested drugs. Weather smoke, or something else -it happens.
Yes, to your kid too!
   If you want to keep your head in the sand and your ass in the 50's by
denying that Pot is the equivelant of beer with our generation then go
ahead, but for Christ-sake leave the hysteria at home!
   At least he had the balls to admit that it wasn't "Second hand smoke" Or
some nonsense.
   Gobert is one of the most exciting things to happen to North American
motorsports in a long, long-ass time, and I for one don't want to see him go
back to Europe and race for a bunch of cheese-eating surrender-monkies!

  PS I personally don't smoke dope (Anymore) But see nothing wrong with it
as long as you don't smoke on race-day, But how many times have you seen
"Stars" completely pissed-as-nits the night before Sunday in downtown
Monterey?

Keep your stick on the ice,
sidecar@netcom.ca

Pridmore and V&H. With DuHamel, Gobert and Chandler having their problems,
it's hard to accept anything as "sensational" for the last third of the
series. Bostrum (both), Hacking and Hayden (both) have run well during this
period. What I don't understand is Jason's ranking compared to other SS
riders like the Haydens. With all his success with them in SS, why didn't
Suzuki get him on another of their support teams? Maybe it was partly his
choosing or another waylaid business negotiation like Bostrum's. If the
talent is getting so top heavy in US racing lately, I'd expect to see more
American flags running in WSB. Heck, Dean. This is the info we come to you
to find out about!

Gobert. If the AMA uses the same testing process at Las Vegas, don't be
surprised if he fails again. Traces from his admitted lapse will still be
in his system if they look close enough. I think the US public thinks that
job related drug testing is something employers support. Bottom line is
they get a 5% discount on insurance charges if they follow the guidelines
for pre-employment testing. This is due to the idea that drug use increases
lost work time. I believe the Gobert thing brought up that Olympic drug
testing for performance enhancing drugs excludes marajuana. The FIM and AMA
should be using this guideline (performance enhancement) rather than
pre-employment testing (lost work time). I do not know if the FIM/AMA
testing includes the same true performance enhancing substances as the
Olympics but I doubt it. As far as a matter of "safety", riding with a
hangover is a bit more of a problem than marijuana residue in your system.
For those who say it's against the law and a rider should be punished for
participating, what will you be disqualified for next? Anyone with a prior
criminal conviction being denied a license? When I see Gobert race, I see a
world class rider not a druggie. If we had more riders of his caliber here,
the series would benefit. Then again, the only reason he is here instead of
there is the drug testing so maybe I shouldn't complain. I think V&H
realizes the positive attention they receive with Gobert as a rider
outweighs the negative attention from the drug thing. It makes for good
jokes but even better podium results.

Stan Pollock

My lawyer can verify a month ago I predicted V&H would re-sign Gobert. Like
Clinton, Gobert's job approval rating went up after he admitted being a
political criminal. Besides, a lot of V&H customers smoke pot and they'd be
so bummed if Tony was fired they'd buy someone else's exhaust system.

Gobert should consider an agent instead of his mother. I think another
manager would have handled the AMA situation different than his mom.

The only reason I can think why Pridmore could be unemployed next year:
Whoever hires Jason, like it or not, hires his dad and the CLASS operation.
You can't remove the father-son connection. It wasn't a problem when CLASS
ran BMWs, but now they use Hondas.

If that's not it, I'm stumped.

Keith Patti

I think that V&H rehiring Gobert is a good idea... if Steve Howe can be
convicted 5 times for cocaine and still pitch in the majors; a
rehabilitated Gobert should be given another chance to showcase what
"we" really care about- The best riders riding the best bikes WFO !!!  I
think the whole sport is getting a little to "civilized" for me in the
90's ..  Too many panzy\whinny racers out there on 2 wheels ...

later dudes,
spence

Dean, great site, always first with the latest news. I think Terry Vance
will be kicking himself  by mid-season '99 for not signing Pridmore. Jason
is a mature, calculating rider who is in my opinion destined for greatness.
We all know Anthony is a VERY talented rider. It is a shame that he has an
admitted continuing drug problem. (Cycle News-In The Wind) Even though it is
just a liittle "puff". Mr. Gobert likes to party too much. I think he will
fail a whizz quiz before next season is half over. I know the evil weed is a
Strong Temptation. As far as Ducati goes, they probably should have closed
the door on Anthony, too. I bet if it was any of the Japanese, they would
never consider him for a ride again. On the other hand, Anthony will make
the series alot more exciting if he can get by the drug tests. I think he
needs to get his priorities in order. Drugs can really mess you up. Anthony,
get off the dope!!

Steve Bohin
East Tennessee

I'm sick of this Pridmore crap!

     If anyone would remember, Pridmore had to get clearance from SUZUKI to
ride the VHR Ducati.   He has a an existing contract with Suzuki.   Hasn't
anyone got a clue?  Does the departure of Double A Ron Yates from the YOSH
Team mean anything to anybody?  Hello?  Does anyone follow AMA Superbike
racing?

     The only way that VHR Ducati would have signed Pridmore is if he had
gone out and blitzed the field by 20 seconds or so in both races.  And
then, I'm not so sure that Suzuki would have doubled Terry Vance's offer.

     Besides, whether you like him or not, Gobert is a world class rider
and will win you races and possibly a championship.  Although Pridmore is a
tremendous talent and is probably the smoothest one out there, he isn't as
fast as Doobie (I mean Gobie).

My $.02

Darrin M Gavin

(Ah, yes. Suzuki OFFERED to let Jason ride te Ducati. Point of fact and all --Dean Adams.)

I have a lot of mixed feelings on this one.  I think that Terry Vance
would be crazy NOT to resign Gobert if he can, problems and all, he is
arguably one of the 5 most talented riders on the planet today.  The
Professor has EARNED a spot on the V&H crew for 99 by his performance.
With the signing of Ben Bostrum for 99, and you can't blame Terry on
that one, as I'm sure TPG is willing to pay LARGE CASH to have the #1
plate on there bike in 99 (guess you can tell my predictions for Vegas
eh?).  So where does this leave us.  2 or 3 possibilities.  Pridmore to
FBF along with Tom Kipp (PLEASE no Neil Hodgeson), give Pridmore a World
Supersport ride on a 748, or if Suzuki want's to keep the TLR program
alive (probably not) then he would make sense for that ride, and Suzuki
would keep one of there most talent riders in house.
I am happy to see that Terry Vance is standing by Tony G, especially
given his stance on drugs, for two very selfish reasons.  #1 I enjoy
watching him ride, he is the most fluid rider I've seen since Freddy
Spencer.  #2, Tony G brings color and flavor to the AMA series.  With
all the glad handing back slapping sponser plugging going on in the AMA,
with the exception of Mladin (another Aussie, coincidence?) they
actually say what they are thinking, not some bland NASCAR press
release.  I quit watching and paying attention to NASCAR because the
drivers are BORING, Tony G, Mladin they are INTERESTING and fun to watch
and listen to.
OK enough for now, my $.02
Raoul Duke
 

Pridmore is a class act. Here is a guy who has diligently and successfully pursued his racing career.
He has been injured and made his way back from health adversary. He rides
his fucking ass off in 1998 (notwithstanding team problems that hurt his
heart) ... so well that V&H takes notice. A ride ... his first ride on a
Superbike. The results are predictable to those of us who have followed him.
He does as well as anyone can hope or expect ... as well as he has done in
other classes maybe better given the pressures and different dimensions of
this class.

And for what?!?!

No one in the competitive ranks that could hire him as an "A" or "B" rider
is willing to hire him! V&H has the best reason to bring him on board ...
but NO .. circumstance and bad negotiating by Ben's agent results in V&H
getting Bostrom (a great rider and world potential) and Gobi (the reformed
dope smoker - "who cares really" - and fantastic rider). Well good for V&H
... but Jason ... our dear Jason ...

The AMA .. we stand to lose a great rider ... a great racer ... a wonderful
personality ... a guy who could have been a conduit between the morons in
the AMA administration and the consuming public.

Jason ... we wish you ALL the best whatever you do. If you ride World
Superbike (and I hope you do) ... kick ass, ride safe and show the stupid
fucks in the US what we've known about you for years - YOU ARE A GREAT
RACER. We will miss you.

Paul E. Stansen, Esq.
paul_stansen@email.msn.com

Next year Vance and Hines will be on fire.  No one will be able to touch
Benny or Tony G.  They are going to be an awesome team to cheer for.  NEXT
YEAR IS NOTHING BUT VANCE AND HINES DUCATI FOR ME.
 

Peter Lacy

I think you asked the wrong question. For many reasons both Anthony and Jason
deserve a chance (or 2nd chance) on the Ducati. Both have proved they can ride
the machine very competitively. I would like to see you pose the same question
but replacing Anthony's name with Ben's. After all Anthony is not really
taking Jason's position. Who is more deserving of the rider Jason or Ben? Both
talented riders and both potentially positioned for the same ride alongside
Anthony. Should Jason lose his chance because Ben's manager got greedy and
screwed up Ben's deal at Honda?
I would really like to see your readers comments to this situation.

Michael
 

To whom it may concern,

I strongly feel that Anthony Gobert should be allowed a second chance
with Ducati next season.  The reason I feel this way if that he has
admitted to his mistake and has said to have sought help for it.
Anthony is a class one rider with a lot of potential to become superbike
champion.  I honestly believe that a person should be helped with thier
problems rather than getting rid of them as that would only make
personal problems worse...please let him ride and just keep close watch
over him.

With Jason Pridmore I think he should try his best to race against the
worlds best in either the world superbike or world supersport series.
Either one does not have any american riders that I know of at the
moment and this opportunity, if one arises, will give Jason the chance
to be recognized internationally as well as open doors for other US
riders.  For all we know this could also make him a possible GP star.

Yours sincerely

Richard Gregg
 

If Terry had a high profile, non-industry sponsor on board he wouldn't
touch Gobert with a ten foot header. As he is basically marketing his
own inhouse product line, from a business standpoint its not a bad move
hiring the pothead. The guy is fast for damn sure. Where I do second
guess Terry is his not hiring Pridmore after watching him perform.
Nothing against Ben, but just look at what his brother Eric has
accomplished. Ben has yet to really prove himself. Honda made out just
fine.

Erik Kirzinger
rocket@vnet.net
 
 

I have no problem with Gobert being signed again for V&H. He's the best
available rider, he's won races on their bike and the crew seems to like him
personally. And I'm sure Gobert is finally well aware of the score, concerning
drugs, from here on out. He must know that his chances are almost gone, and
one more slip-up will not be tolerated by V&H or the AMA.
   I can't say that I fault V&H for signing Bostrom over Pridmore. He is the
hotter prospect, he's younger and he brings more notoriety to the team. And,
possibly, a Number One plate for next year. (And the crew probably isn't
exactly dreading having Ben's girlfriend hanging around the pits!)
   How Pridmore could go unsigned by anyone else, however, is ludicrous. If
nothing else, Pridmore should be given the opportunity by Suzuki to fill
Yates' spot. Mladin surely isn't long for the AMA, Crevier is getting old and
hasn't done much in Superbike and Pridmore would be a better longterm prospect
than either of those two. Plus, he's bright, well spoken and well liked. He
doesn't crash a lot and he's proven to be able to go fast straight away on
anything he rides, and he's been loyal to Suzuki. Suzuki should now return
that same loyalty.
Mike Love

Dean, I think it a shame about Jason.  I have met him at CLASS schools and
he seems to be a quality individual.  Some team will be fortunate to have
him.
Jon
 

Personally they both ride like stink! Thats a good thing.
V&H will kick ass if they are both on the team
As for Mr. Goberts horking of the bowls, if he can ride that fast safely
who the hell cares what he does after the races.
I am NOT a D.A.R.E. fan.
Jim

Dean
Give the ride to Jason.  Let the Go-Show spend a year on dirt bikes in
Oz.  If this does not happen, and it now seems that Vance will hire
Gobby, I hope Jason does get the Yosh ride and smokes 'em.

Keith Henry

Dean:

Keep up the great work!
I'd urge V&H to take on Pridmore.  I watched him ride at Brainerd, He
was terrific!
I think Gobert needs some time to think and to win the trust of whoever
signs him for his own good.

Matt in Iowa

It's not easy to make that choice because :
1) Gobert , while he screwed up big time after being given a chance
   by Terry VANCE in spite of his tumultuous past in world GP, IS A
   TALENTED RACER who can bring glory to the V&H team if he learned
   his lesson and walk straight, besides there might be contract issues
   which we aren't aware of between him and V&H, so if yu believe that
   the end justify the means, he should stay on the V&H team.

2) Jason PRIDMORE is definitely the rising star in MBNA and has proved
   what he's made off, while yu can't judge him only on 1 stunt in a
   race for V&H , he's got the right stuff and should ride for a top
   contending superbike team.

I can only see one solution : Terry Vance should field a 3 d DUC for the
99 season and see how it goes, while it will increase their racing
budget , the stake is worth it !

Jean-Paul Grasmuck , Morristown NJ

If I was Terry Vance and had to choose between Gobert and Pridmore I'd
take Gobert.  Even though I really like Jason, I think Gobert is a
better rider.

Which begs the question.  Why not have Pridmore AND Gobert on the team.
Whey sign Bostrom who has never ridden the bike when you have Jason in
hand and know that he can kick butt on it? Remember that Mike Hale
didn't exactly set the world on fire when he moved from Honda to
Ducati.

Don
 

I can't say that I'm surprised to see VHR go with Gobert and Ben Bostrom.
>From a purely "just win, baby" standpoint, those riders have credentials
that are above and beyond Jason's. That's no knock on Jason. It's just that
we've all seen that Anthony can be the fastest thing on two wheels on any
given day, and Bostrom is leading the series after all.

Jason did a great job on the Duc these past few races, and given a whole
year to prove himself, he might actually prove a better rider than Ben on
matching machinery. I'm pulling for him to get that chance as much as
anybody. I'm sure if Terry Vance could carry six bikes in the transporter,
Jason would be signed up to pilot a pair of his own.

The obvious side-bar in the Gobert/Pridmore question is their citizenship.
Jason comes across as an Eagle Scout, especially in person. Top guy all the
way. Anthony has repeatedly demonstrated fantastically stupid judgment. It
looks to me that VHR is banking on this latest wake-up call to finally
stick. There's never been any question about his capacity to perform on the
track, and even if he is a bit of a hairball, Terry and the gang must
prefer being confident that they can put a freak on the top of the box,
rather than hoping that a somewhat untested Eagle Scout can reach the third
rung.

If Gobert can keep his nose (and urine) clean, he can dominate like nobody
besides Miguel. I'm not entirely convinced that Bostrom is as good as the
RC45 makes him out to be. Jason may well be the better bet for that second
VHR ride. For that matter, Steve Rapp looked damn fast on it too.  But the
team has chosen to go with marquee names for 1999.  Hey, it's their lira.

- Matt Parfit
 

I am glad to hear that Tony is getting one more chance, but this should
be his last , and this is coming from a long suffering fan.

Re. Pridmore, he would of been the perfect #2 guy, and its a real shame
that he wont be! It must be politics.
--
Josh and Susan + 3 cats + 1 Thrashing Baby Boy (Kai Sonny Golden)
AFM #707
Event Technology Ducati 955, Cagiva 650 Elefant, Husqvarna 610 WXE
http://home.earthlink.net/~unclejosh/

I'm disappointed that Jason Pridmore didn't get the V&H ride.

Anthony's an exciting rider, but he habitually pisses on his
fans and supporters.  Remember how he blew off Sportbike Night
in San Jose?  Remember the mood at V&H trailer at Laguna?  And
what about all the fans who were counting on him to champion the
AMA SB against the World SB there (we got a demolition derby
instead)?  You could collect plenty of other examples.

Jason is an exciting rider too, and he respects his fans.

For me, the choice is a no-brainer.   If Jason gets an AMA SB
ride I'm going to celebrate each time he beats Anthony.

-Don Draper

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